When are the SQE exams?
SQE1 is held twice a year, in January and July. SQE2 runs across the year in January, April, July and October, with written and oral sittings spread over several days, and SQE1 assessments typically begin in the third week of the month.
Below are the full SQE1 and SQE2 exam dates for 2026 and 2027 with booking windows, examinable-law cut-off dates, results dates, test locations and the latest SRA fees. Always confirm exact dates on the official SRA and Kaplan websites before you book.
Qualifying as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route involves careful planning and understanding of its timelines, costs, and booking procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
No matter if you’re studying for SQE1 or SQE2, our expert resources are designed to support you throughout your preparation:
SQE Costs
The fees for SQE assessments vary depending on when you take them.
Until August 2024:
- SQE1: £1,798
- SQE2: £2,766
From September 2024:
- SQE1: £1,888
- SQE2: £2,902
From October 2025:
- SQE1: £1,934
- SQE2: £2,974
SQE1 resit fees:
- Failing FLK1 or FLK2: £967 per exam.
- Failing both FLK1 and FLK2: Full SQE1 fee of £1,934.
SQE2 resit fees:
- Failing SQE2: Full amount of £2,974.
All fees are VAT exempt.
SQE Exam Fees Increasing in September 2025
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that from September 2025, SQE exam fees will rise:
- SQE1: £1,934
- SQE2: £2,974
- Total cost: £4,908
If you’re preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), it’s important to plan ahead before the SQE fee increase takes effect. Stay informed and ensure you’re financially prepared for the rising SQE exam costs in 2025.
Booking Procedures
For SQE1, FLK1 and FLK2 must be booked separately but paid for together at the time of booking. Similarly, for SQE2, both the written and oral assessments must be booked and paid for simultaneously.
Locations
SQE1 and SQE2 written assessments can be taken at Pearson VUE test centers in the UK and internationally. However, exact locations may vary depending on factors such as capacity planning and local holidays. Written SQE2 locations available across numerous UK cities (including Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and multiple locations throughout England) as well as internationally in selected jurisdictions such as the USA, China, India, Germany, and the UAE. However, written assessments are not available in Canada, Central or South America, or New Zealand. Candidates in those regions must therefore travel to an authorised Pearson VUE centre in another jurisdiction, such as the UK, Europe, or Asia, to complete the written components.
SQE2 oral assessments are available in:
- Cardiff
- London
- Manchester, and
- Birmingham
- Leeds
SQE Assessment Dates 2026 – 2027
Here is the schedule of anticipated assessment dates for the years 2025 to 2026. All times mentioned are in the UK time zone.
SQE1 Exam Dates
| Exam | Dates | Booking opening | Booking close | Results |
| July 2026 | FLK1: 13-17 July 2026 FLK2: 20-24 July 2026 Examinable law cut off date: 13 March 2026 | Closed | 28 May 2026 | 8 September 2026 |
| January 2027 | FLK1: 11-15 January 2027 FLK2: 18-22 January 2027 Examinable law cut off date: 11 September 2027 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| July 2027 | FLK1: 12-16 July 2027 FLK2: 19-23 July 2027 Examinable law cut off date: 12 March 2027 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Are you a foreign lawyer searching for a tailored course? Our SQE1 course is specially designed for international candidates aiming to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. It offers customised content to effectively bridge cultural and educational gaps. Additionally, we provide mentorship groups for specific cultural regions and jurisdictions. Check out these resources in the upper bar menu under the SQE1 section!
SQE2 Exam Dates
| Exam | Dates | Booking opening | Booking close | Results |
| April 2026 | Written: 28-30 April Oral: First sitting: 5-6 May Oral: Second sitting: 7-8 May Oral: Third sitting: 12-13 May Oral: Fourth sitting: 14-15 May Examinable law cut off date: 28 December 2025 | Closed | Closed | 27 August 2026 |
| July 2026 | Written: 28-30 July Oral: First sitting: 4-5 August Oral: Second sitting: 6-7 August Examinable law cut off date: 28 March 2026 | See booking information | 10 June 2026 | 17 November 2026 |
| October 2026 | Written: 27-29 October Oral: First sitting: 3-4 November Oral: Second sitting: 5-6 November Oral: Third sitting: 10-11 November Examinable law cut off date: 27 June 2026 | TBC | TBC | 23 February 2027 |
| January 2027 | Written: 2-4 February 2027 Oral: First sitting: 26-27 January 2027 Oral: Second sitting: 28-29 January 2027 Examinable law cut off date: 26 September 2026 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| April 2027 | Written: First sitting: 20-22 April 2027 Written: First sitting: 4-6 May 2027 Oral: First sitting: 26-27 April 2027 Oral: Third sitting: 11-12 May 2027 Oral: fourth sitting: 13-14 May 2027 Examinable law cut off date: 20 December 2026 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Are you preparing for SQE2 and seeking tailored support? Our prep course is based on 1-to-1 training through mock exams, delivered by experts who have not only passed the SQE2 themselves but have also helped hundreds of others succeed. We also offer special support for SQE2 resitters, ensuring everyone has the best chance to excel.
SQE1 sittings typically occur in January and July, while SQE2 sittings are scheduled for January, April, July, and October. The start dates for assessments are typically aimed for the third week of the month for SQE1 and the final week for SQE2.
Learn how to read and understand the SQE2 results in our article ‘Decoding the SQE2 Exam Results: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Marks Breakdown‘
SQE Time Limit
Candidates have six years from their first SQE assessment to complete both SQE1 and SQE2. Within this time frame, they have up to three attempts at each assessment.
Additional Considerations
When planning your SQE journey, it’s important to consider the timing of assessments, especially if you intend to sit them outside the UK. Be mindful of the varied start times for international assessments and make necessary arrangements accordingly. Furthermore, candidates should be aware of the results release dates and booking closing dates to ensure they meet deadlines and can plan their next steps accordingly. SQE1 results are typically published 5-6 weeks after the assessment, whereas SQE2 results take longer, usually between 14-18 weeks.
Understanding the timelines, costs, and booking procedures for the SQE is essential for a smooth journey through the qualification process. By familiarising yourself with these details and planning ahead, you can effectively steer your way to becoming a qualified solicitor.
How the Academy of Smart Lawyers Can Help You with the SQE
Join our dynamic community, where expert tutors, foreign-qualified lawyers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate. We specialise in SQE2 preparation through mock simulations, emphasising ‘active teaching’ and ‘mistakes driven learning’ to ensure you receive the best SQE prep course available.
- Expert tutors who have successfully passed the SQE.
- Specialised support for foreign-qualified individuals and those without a legal background.
- Comprehensive SQE2 training, including SQE2 mock exams.
- Valuable tips and tricks for mastering both SQE1 and SQE2, with access to essential SQE1 materials, SQE MCQs, and targeted SQE lectures.
- Ongoing support for your professional growth.
Enrol Now
Register on the SQE SUPERexam e-learning and training platform today to open full access to a wealth of valuable SQE resources.
SQE exam dates – FAQ
How often is the SQE held?
SQE1 runs twice a year, in January and July. SQE2 runs up to four times a year, typically in January, April, July and October.
When are SQE2 results released?
SQE2 results are usually published a few months after the assessment window (for example, results for the April 2026 sitting are due around 27 August 2026). The exact results date for each sitting is shown in the tables above and confirmed by the SRA.
How long do I have to complete the SQE?
You have six years from your first SQE assessment to pass both SQE1 and SQE2.
What is the examinable law cut-off date?
Each sitting has an examinable law cut-off date – the point after which new legal developments are not tested in that sitting. These dates are listed next to each assessment window above.
How much do the SQE exams cost?
From October 2025 the SRA fees are £1,934 for SQE1 and £2,974 for SQE2 (£4,908 in total). See the full fee breakdown, including resit fees, above.
Plan your revision around these dates: build a personalised schedule with our free SQE Study Planner – it maps every subject across the weeks until your exam.